Introducing designer and author, Peter Vukovic

Meet Peter Vukovic, a great example of a successful designer on 99designs. Peter does everything right from studying the client’s brief to researching the company’s industry. It is easy to see why his hard work is paying off.

When he isn’t designing, he’s writing articles for the 99designs blog. Check out some of his content here, or read on below for Peter’s tips for designer success!

I was interested in visual arts since my childhood, but didn’t develop an interest in graphic design until I got my first PC, which was somewhere around junior high (1996).

I was impressed at how easy it was to manipulate artwork and quickly design almost anything you can think of. Naturally, I experimented a lot, often trying to copy movie posters or other design pieces I liked. One thing led to another and I eventually got a freelance job in an advertising agency. The rest
is history 🙂

How do you get your design inspiration?

Well, the primary source of my inspiration is the design brief itself. A well-defined design problem is almost like a riddle to me – I cannot stop thinking about it, so I eventually find a solution. This is why I mostly pick design contests with challenging briefs and requirements.

As for the process, I typically start with researching the client’s industry trying to understand their design language and style. After, I use professional photography websites/libraries to explore some useful concepts and metaphors that convey the message the client is trying to get across.

Actually, I stumbled across 99designs while doing some online research for a design project I was working on.

When I saw designers competing for client’s attention and prize, I got really excited because this was the place where I could rapidly test and develop my design skills, but also get some fantastic insight into the design market.

I entered my first contest and won it, which got me hooked. I started entering contests on a regular basis and the experience I gained was nothing short of spectacular – instead of years, it took me just several months to work with dozens of clients and understand what each of them expects from a designer in terms of service and quality. For any designer who is serious about design… this is priceless.

1. Ignore the prize money and choose a contest which inspires you and suits your skills. I like to compare a contest to a pet – you’re going to spend some time with it, so it better be something you love and know how to take care of.

2. Enter the contest early while the client is still deciding on ideas and directions. Once the client decides on potential winners, the chance of getting noticed are slim to none regardless of the quality of your design.

3. Don’t be afraid to quit a design contest that isn’t working out in your favor. Spending time on a contest that is going nowhere steals time from a contest you might be winning in.

What do you love most about being a designer?

I love the fun part of the job—you never get bored because you’re constantly working on something else. Besides that, I learn a lot about various industries from web startups to spider webs, which opens some new horizons and enriches my life immensely.

The author

A Louisiana native, Allison moved to San Francisco and became the first Community Liaison at 99designs. Over the years, she established and lead several designer teams focused on supporting, educating and motivating 99d's global community of designers to reach their fullest potential. She loves advocacy work, design, psychology, and making real connections with humans all over the world.